Questions & Answers
What is Energy? What is Energy Healing?
Einstein proved that everything is made of energy and has its own level of vibration. This may be most easily described as follows. When we are stressed we may feel lethargic, confused and perhaps “heavy”. These feelings are contained not only in our minds but resonate throughout our body, into our aura (the magnetic field that surrounds each one of us) and on out into the Universe. Often when you meet someone you “pick-up” on their energy. You may get a sense of their anxiety. However, in the opposite scenario you may meet a person who is full of joy after hearing good news, so their vibration is “high”. You sense their joy and cannot help smiling and celebrating with them. Each of us naturally picks up on the vibration of energy all round us through our senses. Being consciously aware helps us to know our true selves and empowers us to cope with life experiences in a positive and loving way enriching our lives with peace.
Physical, emotional and mental stress and trauma can become blocks to our personal development. They can be stored in the organs and tissues of our bodies, affecting our ability to function at our full potential. Energy healing supports the healing process by clearing blocks in the energy fields, repairing and rebalancing the energy so the body can work at its peak level of balance and from where it can access its ability to heal itself. Other forms of energy healing apart from Reiki include Reflexology, Acupuncture and Crystal healing.
What is Reiki?
It is a system of natural healing based on channeling healing energy through the hands to the client. It is a healing technique thought to be thousands of years old and to have originated as a Tibetan Buddhist practice rediscovered and immensely popularised in the 1800s by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist. Usui, together with Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata slowly but very surely explored extensively and developed traditional styles of this form of energy healing which is very important in the history of Reiki.
NB: Please note payment plans are available – don’t hesitate to get in touch.
When I decided to invest in Reiki training, numerous questions came to mind and here are some that guided me in my decision making:-
- I initially phoned some Reiki teachers in my home town then arranged to meet them in person for a brief chat. Intrigued and excited, I booked onto a one day course for first degree training.
- I practised self-healing quite regularly after that day, read a few books from time to time and spoke to one or two people. However, when deciding to study second degree, I sensed I needed a longer period of study and booked onto a two day course (as well as a first degree refresher). My initial first degree trainer did not offer courses any longer than one day’s duration, so I recognised I also needed to change to a different trainer.
- It took me five years along with lots of self-healing and soul searching before I felt drawn to and able to become a Reiki Master Teacher in March 2017. I became so full of questions and the following are some things I’ve learned along the way:-
| What suits you?: Different books and different people may tell you different things which can be very frustrating and confusing so go with what sits most comfortably on your own shoulders (even if you need to put your query on the backburner and revisit it another day). |
| If you feel isolated on your path, try to talk to someone. In Weston-Super-Mare there’s group of like-minded folks called Positive Living Group (used to be Spiritual Coffee) which meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Stables Games Room (used to be The Market House) on the High Street, across from The Playhouse. (Positive Living Group is a nationwide network so there may be one near your home too). |
| Choosing the right teacher is a very important decision – perhaps talk to more than one trainer. Things you need to consider are the training format. Consider what apres-training support is available and whether it’s chargeable. Ask the teacher about their journey, how long it took them to move between Level 1 and Master/Teacher – gauge whether you can relate to and work with them. |
| A Reiki Master Teacher is someone who has studied Reiki to Master level (i.e. the third degree) and who has (in addition) studied the second part of the third degree i.e. they have trained to teach Reiki. (It may be said that Reiki is their Master; it does not mean they are a student’s Master, simply that they are the student’s teacher). NB: Not all Reiki Masters choose to become trainers/teachers. |
| Teacher for life? A Reiki Master Teacher may not be your Teacher for life. It makes sense for a student to try to work with one teacher on their path because you both grow together but if a student is considering further training and following discussion with their current teacher has any uncertainty about working with them again, there is no reason they should not train with someone else. For example, when I decided to train as an Usui Reiki Practitioner, I realised I needed a different pace of learning as a one day course was not enough for me. I recognised a two day course would be more appropriate for me hence I chose to work with a different Reiki Trainer. |
| Forgiveness: It is vitally important to learn forgiveness (of yourself and others) and the need for each of us to learn to love ourselves first because at the end of the day, if we don’t, we won’t really be able to take care of or love anyone else. If you don’t learn to let go of a niggle, it’ll come back to you in different ways until you release it. |
| So why choose Reiki? Reiki is a gently powerful healing tool that isn’t just a way of finding deep peace and relaxation; it doesn’t just heal poor health; it’s not just a way to make money – it can be life changing. |
| Do I really need to be a vegetarian/vegan to study Reiki? From personal experience as well as checking with the United Kingdom Reiki Federation, the Complementary Therapists Association and the International Centre for Reiki Training, I can tell you it is not true to say a student needs to be a vegetarian/vegan before studying Reiki. (However, some trainers suggest you may like to try to reduce/eliminate smoking, drinking alcohol or eating meat during the 21 day cleanse which tends to follow training to a new Reiki level. Having said that, a person may choose to do a 21 day cleanse at any time). |
| Which style of Reiki shall I learn? When considering what style of Reiki to train in (e.g. Angelic Reiki, Usui Reiki, Karuna Reiki, Dragon Reiki etc), remember to select the style that you are drawn to rather than what someone else suggests to you. Also, please remember there is only one source. |
| Placement/Ignition (same function as an attunement): This prepares you to be able to channel Reiki healing energy and stimulates your physical, spiritual, emotional and energetic bodies, promoting personal growth on all levels. The placement/ignition system practiced in Holy Fire® III Reiki makes teaching Reiki easier as you do not need class time to demonstrate and practice attunements. It also empowers the symbols with more effective healing energy. Please follow this link for more information regarding attunements Permalink: https://www.rosemarybridgewater.com/reiki-attunement…self-attunements/ |
| Self Attunement: This is achievable but given pursuing a spiritual path and growing forward can inspire a whole host of feelings and emotions (as well as visual experiences), you may want to consider investing in a structured training course simply because you will have support readily available for any questions that arise. I have to admit I’m truly pleased I followed structured training courses that offered follow-up support so I knew where to go to at those times I felt confused or uncertain about what my experience was telling me. |
| Symbols: Symbols are used in Reiki to connect with different kinds of Reiki energy and are a way to connect with Source. However, if a person doesn’t like the idea of symbols, they are not necessary to use with Reiki as in Reiki I there are no symbols. (Keep in mind that symbols are part of Christianity. The fish and the cross are Christian symbols. Note also that Catholics make the sign of the cross over their chests for protection and to become empowered with Christ.) |
| My Reiki journey continues – learning to teach it doesn’t mean the end by any stretch of the imagination. Reiki encourages us to release toxins from our lives, be that negative thoughts, poor diets and such like. Over time, Reiki has helped me become a calmer, kinder, more tolerant and less judgmental person … I’m so glad I discovered it. |
Paying for Treatments & Training Courses
Payment plans are available where you can select an option that suits your financial situation, though no training course will commence (and no treatment will be carried out) until full and final payment is received. Final payment should be received 28 days before a course commences or before a treatment is carried out. However, if some flexibility is required regarding timelines for payment, do get in touch.
Holistic Training Courses: Healing with Crystals, Ear Candling, Indian Head Massage
Two formats apply to each of these courses:
Professional Practitioner: One day duration plus 3 x 3 case studies and 1 treatment on me before you will receive your course completion certificate and be able to work with fee paying clients. Non-professional: one day duration which enables you to work informally (e.g. with friends and family) though not with fee paying clients.
Apres Training
If you have any questions following completion of a Reiki or Holistic Training courses, please get in touch where I’ll endeavour to respond as soon as I can. However, please bear in mind I may not be able to take your call or respond immediately to your enquiry. My undertaking is to respond as soon as I can.